‘London celebrates Black History Month at Africa on the Square’

For the fourth year running Africa on the Square, sponsored by the Mayor of London, is gearing up to offer music and entertainment to visitors and Londoners alike on 14 October in central London’s Trafalgar Square. This free outdoor event, from 12pm-6pm, is the focal point of the city’s Black History Month celebrations and with a forecast of 20°c for Saturday, if not the hot winds of the Sahara blowing favourable weather towards the UK, it promises to be a fun day out.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, writes:

“Black History Month is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the huge contribution black people have made to London and to our country. The African and African Caribbean communities have done so much to add to the life of the capital, helping to make it one of the most vibrant places on the planet. At Africa on the Square, Londoners from all backgrounds and visitors to the city will celebrate this highlight in the capital’s cultural calendar.”

Led by ‘Africa on the Square’ on-stage compères Rosemary Laryea and Usifu Jalloh The Cowfoot Prince, and DJ Edu of BBC Radio 1Xtra show, Destination Africa, the line-up of live music, dancing and a talent contest, includes performances from:

Nogabe Randriaharimalala, multi-instrumentalist (Madagascar)

Amira Kheir,‘Diva of the Sudanese desert’

Jay Johnson, winner of Africa on the Square Youth Talent Show 2016

MOBO Choir

Muntu Valdo (Cameroon)

The Gnawa Blues All Stars with Simo Lagnawi

Fashion Show directed by African Fashion Week London (AFWL) with new and up and coming designers

Djembe Thunder(London-based from Mali)

Yaaba Funk, Brixton-based Afro fusion music band

Last year 25,000+ people attended the event and this year, again, will be an African market offering fashion, arts and crafts, food stalls, and fun activities for children and families (including hair-braiding, mosaic-making, West African drumming, and animal mask-making).

The Africa Centre, Black Cultural Archives, SOAS, The Unremembered Project and the Royal African Society are among cultural groups showcasing their work at the square.